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“He was a guy that was both very productive for (ECU) as an offensive player and as a special-teams guy,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He's a potential returner for us, but could also contribute on special teams in other ways. He's a physical guy.

“We've had receivers in our history who filled this role, a guy who can be productive on offense but also be physical and willing to play special teams.”

Translation: Harris could be another Patrick Crayton, who played the slot and returned punts for the Cowboys for six years before he was traded to San Diego on Sept. 3, 2010.

Harris could fill Sam Hurd's roster spot. The Cowboys did not tender an offer to the San Antonian.

“It would be great with me in the (slot) to be a third receiver to spread the ball around,” Harris said last week.

Harris was All-Conference USA last season after snagging 101 passes for 1,123 yards (both school records) and 10 touchdowns. He also had a career-best 2,288 all-purpose yards to rank fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

“He was such a great weapon for them,” Bailiff said. “He could take the short or intermediate route and go the distance, and he could do the long ball. You had to be aware of him every snap and do something to bracket him. He's that special.

“And he was a great kick returner.”

For his career with the Pirates, Harris averaged 23.2 yards per kick return and scored three TDs.

“He's very instinctive, but he's also very powerful,” Bailiff said. “He breaks a lot of yards after contact. Just a very gifted, explosive athlete.”

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. was also surprised Harris didn't go higher. When Dallas selected Harris, Kiper called him “arguably the best pick the Cowboys have made in the last couple of days.”

Added Kiper: “He can help you in so many ways. ... He's a nightmare matchup. He'll be a great pick for the Cowboys.”

So why was Harris on the board so long? Analysts point to a disappointing Senior Bowl.

“Harris might have been voted Conference USA MVP, but at the Senior Bowl his lack of explosiveness and stone hands turned off scouts,” NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang wrote.

“All I know,” Bailiff said, “is that he was East Carolina's heart and soul.”